Tu B'Shvat

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Originally just the day when trees were considered a year older, relevant in the ancient world for tithing purposes—Tu B’Shvat was transformed by the kabbalists of Safed into a celebration of nature, its fruits, and the Divine “tree” reaching toward us. At Tu B’Shvat seders (the four cups of wine borrowed loosely from the Passover seder), revitalized in modern times and inspired with an environmental consciousness, we drink the fruit of the vine and eat many different kinds of fruit from trees—from the tough hard walnut to the luscious pomegranate—evoking different aspects of the Divine and of humanity.

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A wonderful reflection with resources on why Tu B’Shvat matters—especailly now
“On this new moon of Shevat, I trust the process of inner renewal…”
“Oh earth, how we’ve harmed you Oh earth, help us heal…”
“Thank You for the birds that build their nests in our branches and sing with us in the morning light”
At sunset the oryx finds water inside shrubs. // Magician of the desert, it links its straight horns to the sky.
“An old olive tree stands in a grove, verdant, stately and strong…”
“Let light / reach all the places where blossoms would wantonly erupt…”
‘Woman Is a Tree of the Field’ is an original work of art inspired by trees in Jewish text and mystical tradition.
“May we grow like them, reaching high, growing true…”
“Only advice to plant first / and welcome the Messiah later…”

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